Mumbai Zoo (Byculla Zoo) – Updated Tour and Other Details as of 2023

“Known as ‘Byculla Zoo’, Upgraded to an international standard attraction place, the Year 2023 Updated Details of the Commonly Called Mumbai Zoo’ (Officially Named ‘Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan’), which houses wild animals and a similar number of birds and aquatic species, more than 3000 trees, and about 100 species of rare and medicinal plants are inside this botanical garden, which was originally a Botanical garden that was shifted from Sewri in 1861 as the place was converted to the cemetery.

One of the best places for attractions now, Mumbai Zoo attracts lakhs of visitors monthly. Below, I tried to give a complete tour of the place and other updated details like Things to know, Types of Animals, Birds, and Trees with their Marathi names, Facilities like Clean Drinking Water, Washrooms, Cafes, Parking areas, Heritage structures, and also details about the best time to visit the Zoo, Address, Contact Number, Entry fees, Nearest Railway station, and How to reach.”

Photo Courtesy: Mumbai Zoo YouTube Videos.

What You Should Know before Coming to Mumbai Zoo

Synonyms: ‘Mumbai Zoo, as it is commonly called, is Officially named ‘Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan’ and is also known by many other names. Below are the same:

1. Veermata Jijabai Udyan.
2. VJB Udyan / VJBU.
3. Jijamata Udyan.
4. Byculla Zoo.
5. Rani Baug (Hindi), Ranichi Bagh (Marathi Language).
6. Victoria garden (Formerly).
7. Queen’s Gardens (Formerly).

Animals & Birds at a Glance: Lion, Leopard, Butterfly, Otters, Crocodile & Gharial, Elephant, African Tiger, Hyena, Jackal, Wolf, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Swamp deer, and Spotted deer; Bear, Hippo, Bear; Tortoises & Turtles; Bear; Birds like Parrots, Macaws, Parakeets, Peacocks, Toucans; Aquatic birds like Herons, Spoonbills, Flamingo, Stork, and Pelicans Information on the board near each section of Birds, Animals, and Trees is available.

There are 6611 trees and 283 Species of plants inside, of which 291 are  rare species and 15 are medicinal plants. About 88 mammals can be seen in 13 different Species. When it comes to Birds, there are about 157 species in 19 varieties. There are also 32 reptiles of 7 different species.

Food, Cafes, Drinking Water, Washrooms: All available inside. Washrooms are clean, there are 2 Cafes inside, Snacks are available, and local street food like Vada Pav is about Rs. 30 to Rs. 40 (A little costly, But  okay for one-time payments). Drinking water facilities are available at many locations while you are inside the zoo, watching Birds, animals, and Trees.

You cannot carry regular Bisleri and similar-packaged water bottles. Either takes a NON-one-time strong plastic bottle. For kids, snacks may be allowed in properly packed boxes.

Best Time to Visit Mumbai Zoo: The best time is early morning, as it starts at 10:00 a.m. Avoid afternoons, as Many animals take naps. Seasonally, the perfect season is winter (December to February). Avoid weekends and public holidays if possible, as they are way too crowded. Monsoons are pleasant too. May is usually School vacation and overheated (Average 33 degrees Celsius). Park timings and other details are mentioned below.

Nearest Railway Station: Byculla (East Side) on the Central Railway Route and Mumbai Central Station (Main Junction) on the Western Railway Route Details on How to reach this Zoo by train, road, or Air are also detailed below.

Car, Bus & Bike Parking: Ample space is available; weekends are crowded. Paid parking costs Rs. 20..

Photography (Cameras Allowed): Yes. Mobile cameras are free. DSLRs, etc., charged Rs. 100 extra. You are allowed to take it inside the museum area too.

Some Historic Facts of this Place

Celebrated 160 years in 2022, Mumbai Zoo, which was shifted from Sewri in 1861 after Sewri Botanical Garden was converted into a cemetery. Around 1963, an open-air theater was started here called the Anna Bhau Sathe Theatre’. It was an era when stage shows and dance performances were the only means of entertainment, as there were no televisions.

Maharashtra’s folk dances like Bharud, Koli dance, Lavani, and Tamasha with tablas and classical folk music were most liked and were a unique art, entertainment, and leisure option open to the public inside Mumbai Zoo. The seating capacity of this open theater was 400 to 500 people. The theater was closed down in 1984 as the performances proved too loud for the birds and Animals inside.

Between 1984 and 2015, the Zoo was still famous and was visited for the limited numbers of Wild Animals and Birds. Public satisfaction was not up to par as the over-zoo area was not maintained well and Animals and Birds died frequently. Then, in 2016, public awareness and media exposure increased, and the much-awaited Mumbai Zoo Revamp project was on the top priority list of BMC (The Municipal Corporation of Mumbai).

Soon after, the 3D amphitheater, Parking area, Museum, restrooms, Eateries, and much-needed cleanliness and Hygiene took a lift. Wild animals, Especially hippos, were happy to get frequent fresh water supplies.

Similarly, 449 birds of 38 different species and 43 reptiles of 9 varied species were counted inside Byculla Zoo, and the numbers grew, attracting many citizens, foreign tourists, and school students to the only Zoo in Mumbai.

In this phase of the zoo revamp, the garden premise got an extra 7 acres of plot adjacent to it, which was previously owned by a private firm called ‘Mafatlal Company’ (As per local news channels and media).

Keeping rest as the history of Mumbai Zoo, It is time to visit this place and get some international standard experience to see these Animals, Birds, Flora and Faunas spread about 53 acres of land in South of Mumbai. Penguin chicks, underwater crocodiles, and the Gharial viewing Gallery are some of the latest additions in the last few years.

List of Trees inside Byculla Zoo

I have tried to add Marathi names of these trees for ease of reference for anyone required. Also have a look at the Medicinal garden & Tactile Garden.

1. Indian Elm (Bawda)
2. Baobab (Gorkha Chinch)
3. Lac (Kusum)
4. Banyan tree (Vat Vriksh)
5. White Wood (Kajuput)
6. Cannon Ball (Kailashpati)
7. Pride of India (Taman)
8. Elephant Apple (Karmad)
9. Gum Gualacum (Dinka)
10. Cocoa (Coco Jhaad)
11. Sacred Barna (Vayvarna / Pavitra Barna)
12. White Teak (Shivan / Pandra Saag)
13. Candle Tree (Menabattiche Jhaad)
14. Rain Tree (Pavsache Vriksh / Vilayati Shirish)
15. Bonfire Tree (Kaushi)
16. Badminton Ball (Chendu Phool)
17. Tree Of Heaven (Urvashi)
18. Rose Of Venezuela (Lal Chumbar)
19. Krishna’s Buttercup (Krushna Vad)
20. Indian Butter Tree (Moh)
21. Majestic Heaven Lotus (Bhavya svargiya kamaḷace jhaḍa)

Heritage Structures inside Mumbai Zoo

Below is a list and names of Heritage structures. The locations of these structures inside Byculla Zoo are detailed in the Tour Section of this page.

1. Clock Tower
2. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
3. Triumph Arch (Also called ‘Vijay Kaman’)
4. Kala Ghoda
5. Conservatory
6. Veermata Jijabai Sculpture
7. Stony Grotto
8. Band Stand
9. Lady Frers’s temple

Mumbai Zoo Tour

The Entry and Exit gates are adjacent to each other, and right in the middle is the beautiful Clock Tower in the main entrance. I will try to make this online tour easy and provide a step-by-step route in brief, along with the Marathi Names of all Animals inside Byculla Zoo.

 As soon as you enter the Mumbai Zoo gate, You get to see a Heritage structure called ‘Bhau Daji Lad Museum’. Similarly, On the left is an ample car parking area right behind this museum.

If coming in your vehicle, Rs. 20 are Parking charges. Bikes, cars, buses, etc. can be parked inside the zoo premises.

It is recommended to start your Zoo tour as soon as the Zoo opens to enjoy early morning peace and a smaller crowd. So as you are coming in from the main entry gate, Right in front is another Heritage structure called ‘Triumph Arch’ or ‘Vijay Kaman’.

 Take a left, and you will see a Conservatory. Go ahead to the left, and your first wow moments start with a wild elephant (Hatti) view. The King of the Jungle, a Lion’s Den, is on the other side.

 A little ahead on the same path is Wolf (Landga), and following up is Bear (Aswal). Now, take a right, and you reach another Heritage Structure called the Band Stand, which gives some shade and the rest of what is required.

 The Leopard section (Bibtya)/strong> is directly in front of the Mumbai Zoo’s Band Stand, and it is flanked by the Hyena (Taras) and the Jackal (Kolha).

USUALLY MISSED : Did you noticed the Japanese Garden inside Mumbai Zoo?, It is right behind you stand to view the Leopard section.

 Don’t Miss the beautiful Candle tree in front as you move towards the famous Sherkhan of the Jungle, Tigers (Bagh). There are two Bengal Tigers in this zoo named ‘Shakti’ and ‘Karishma’. The recent crowd also visited to see the cute little cubs—two of them. All staying huge and healthy right in front of you behind the glass view.

 Keep moving straight now, and you will find a fresh drinking water spot. On the left of the same is another Heritage Structure called Lady Frere’s Temple.

 Wow, You covered 8 major animal section inside this Zoo. On the Junction of Drinking Water & Temple is ‘Café Wild’ for some snacks break if you want and also is a clean ‘Restroom’. Beside the rest room is another tree to keep note of The Badminton Ball Tree.

 Keep Straight ahead and comes another wild beautiful creature Sambar Deer and in the end from where you need to make a UTurn back is the giant Hippo (Panghoda) waiting for you to take a look.

 Walk back on the way saying bye bye to Sambar and take left to admire another group of deers roaming free inside the huge green grounds called Barking Deer (Bhekar) and also are Swamp Deer (Barshinga) and Spotted Deer (Chittad / Harin) in the same vicinity.

 Tree lovers should not miss Bonfire Tree when you turned left, Following up with Tree of Heaven near Swamp deer area and Indian Butter Tree at Spotted Deer section right at view point area of this wide open ground.

 You are now at Rose Garden circle. Relax, Take a sneak peek of those Rose and move ahead to find the most awaiting and in news section of Byculla Zoo since it came The Penguin Section. The view of ‘Humboldt Penguins’ is not to be missed and Children go crazy entering this cold section to watch OREO (One of the Penguin). ₹50 Extra as entry fee for same. At one of the sides of Rose Garden circle are 2 important trees ‘Rose of Venezuela’ and ‘Krishna’s Buttercup’.

 There is also a 3D Auditorium, Amphitheatre, another Cafeteria next to Penguin section.

 Between the Rose garden and Penguin Section of this zoo is Children Park play area, a Mini Forest Trial of Mumbai Zoo and a tree not to be miss name Majestic Heaven Lotus.

 Heading back towards a junction where a special heritage structure can be seen called ‘Veermata Jijabai Sculpture’ and on the left are 3 major sections called Birds Paradise (Pakshyanchi Nandanvan), Turtle Section (Kasav), and Butterfly Garden (Phulpakhru Udyan). It is a cute section to be close to nature and this little creature.

 Next on the Mumbai Zoo tour is Crocodile (Alligators / Magar) & Gharials Section which is a recent addition to Animal section of Mumbai Zoo. Next to Crocodile area is Otter (PanManjar) following up with the Last section near Exit gate which is Aqua Birds.

 But wait, There is more near the heritage gate. Wide range of trees awaits your presence. Right behind the Kala Ghoda Statue and Triumphal Arch Gate are major trees as listed in this article. There are Banyan Tree, Pride of India Tree, Sacred Barna Tree, Lac Tree, Indian Elm, Baobab Tree, White Wood Tree, Canon Ball Tree, Elephant Apple Tree, White Teak Tree, Cocoa Tree, and Gum Gualacum Tree.

 The Tour Ends and before the main exit gate are Washrooms, Information area and Ticket Counter area if anything for reference. Exit the gate and towards left goes to CSMT (South of Mumbai) and towards right is (Dadar) and North of Mumbai.

Mumbai Zoo Contact Number, Address & Timings

Official Address
Mumbai/Byculla Zoo

Lalbaug Flyover,, Near Byculla Railway Station (East), Byculla (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra., Pin Code 400027.

Timings Morning 10.00 Am to 5.00 Pm (Closed On Wednesday & Public Holidays).




Entrance: With ticket.
Currency accepted: Indian Rupees.
Payment accepted: Cash, Credit Card.
Online Ticket Booking Website :Online Ticket Booking.

Mumbai Zoo Social Accounts

• https://www.instagram.com/themumbaizoo/
• https://www.youtube.com/@TheMumbaiZoo

Ticket Booking & Entry Fee (Online & Office)

Weekends and Public Holidays attract huge crowds to the Mumbai Zoo. Long lines during those days may take about a half hour to get entry tickets. Weekdays are comparatively less crowded.

For the Humboldt Penguins Section, an additional 50 cents per person is charged.

Mobile Camera (No Charges), Others (₹100 Extra).

An online form with visitor totals needs to be filled out. For Online Booking, the date of Visit, Name, Mobile number, and Email ID are required. For: Online Ticket Booking A ticket vending machine is installed at the entry gate for those who booked tickets online.

Individual Entry fees for Adults, Kids, and Senior citizens can be booked online or bought offline on the spot. Ticket rates for individuals, families, Foreign tourists, and School groups are detailed below.:

Adults Age: 12 to 59 Years
Children Age: 3 to 12 Years Below age 3, Entry Free.
Senior Citizen Age: Above 60 years, Entry Free.
Divyang (Physically Challenged): Entry Free. Valid Disability Certificate Required.

Individual Booking:

• Adult Ticket Charges are ₹50
• Children Ticket Charges ₹25. Entry free for kids age 3 and below.
• Senior Citizen, Entry free.
• Divyang (Physically Challenged), Entry free.

Family Booking:

• 2 Adult & 2 Children, Ticket Charges are ₹100
• 2 Adult & 1 Children, Ticket Charges are ₹100
• Additional Adult: ₹50.
• Additional Children ₹25.
• Senior Citizen (Age above 60 years), Entry free.
• Divyang (Physically Challenged), Entry free.

BMC School Group:

Although the online form for School group entry shows ₹0 for every age, The school authority needs to enter the maximum total number of students (Children) and teachers, etc. (Adults) while filling out the online form (maximum 10 counts are allowed as seen on the booking website), which is a bit confusing.

The school authority needs to upload a Visiting request form on the letterhead of the school while filling out other details like School name, Date of Visit, School UDIS number, Person Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number.

Private School Group:

The school authority needs to enter the maximum total number of students (Children) and teachers, etc. (Adults) while filling out the online form (maximum 10 counts are allowed as seen on the booking website), which is a bit confusing.

• Adult Entry Fee ₹50
• Students (Age 3 to 12 years) Entry Fee ₹15.
• Students (Age 12 years & Above) Entry Fee ₹25.
• Senior Citizen, Entry free.
• Divyang (Physically Challenged), Entry free.

Foreign Nationals (Tourists):

• Adult, ₹400
• Children, ₹200

Reaching The Zoo

By Railways

 Nearest Railway Station to reach Byculla Zoo is Byculla Railway Station (Central Railway Route of Mumbai Railway Network). Reference: Mumbai Station Names, Railway Map, Station Codes.

If you are travelling from outside Mumbai and getting down at Mumbai Central Railway Station or any station on Western Railway Route. The Zoo is at 2.7 Km road distance only from Mumbai Central Station. Within 15 Minutes one can reach directly taking a taxi. BEST Buses are also available from around Mumbai.

By Road

 Although there is no need as Maps have become good friends to guide till destination. Some local tips which may help while reaching Mumbai zoo by road from outside Mumbai city:

The Western Express Highway and the Eastern Express Highway Both connect. Eastern Express Highways are comparatively less congested and time-saving, While Western Express Highways, which connect city internal locations in South Mumbai, give a perfect view of this city. Reference: Mumbai Road Distances.

By Air

 Mumbai International Airport is at about 20 Km distance from the Zoo which takes about an hour time to reach in normal to low traffic conditions.

Some old Photos Of Byculla Zoo

More Places Near and Around Mumbai Zoo

• Famous Gardens and Parks
• Borivali National Park
• Sagar Upvan Botanical Garden
• Nirvana Park Powai
• Mahim Nature Park

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